In the latest episode of "The Great Friends Podcast", John Wheeler, CEO of Alpha Aesthetics Partners takes listeners into the heart of a topic he's profoundly passionate about: culture. As one dives deeper into the episode, it's clear that for Wheeler, leadership isn’t just a title or a position—it's a passion. A passion that is rooted in the betterment of people and the fostering of a nurturing culture. John Wheeler believes in leading with love, vision, hope, and strategy. This isn't just a business mantra; it's a testament to how he views the world.

The spotlight of this episode was a live recording of Wheeler's talk on culture at The MAC 2023, a meeting hosted by Randy Waldman in San Diego. Wheeler described this talk as his "life's message". His focus on culture isn’t primarily about boosting business productivity or profitability, but about creating an environment where people feel loved and valued. As a former pastor, his love for people and the enhancement of human beings didn’t evaporate when he transitioned into business. On the contrary, it seems to have amplified. The testimonies of team members, acknowledging how the company's core values have made them better individuals, speak volumes about the difference that a positive organizational culture can make.

But what stood out the most was Wheeler's clarion call to all leaders—official or not—to be the vanguard of cultural change. Whether you're a CEO or a janitor or anything in between, Wheeler's message is clear: "Create the type of culture that you want to be a part of." It's a call to action, urging individuals to be proactive participants in sculpting the organizational climate.

Wheeler's metaphor of the "thermometer vs. thermostat" succinctly captures his philosophy. While a thermometer merely reads and reflects the room's temperature, a thermostat sets and regulates it. In essence, it's about being the change agent, defining core values, embodying them, and creating a workplace environment that everyone aspires to be a part of.

In a world where many often chase profitability at the cost of human values, John Wheeler's message stands out as a beacon. It's not just about creating a successful business, but about nurturing an environment where everyone feels valued and loved. As you tune into this episode of "The Great Friends Podcast", be prepared for an invigorating journey into the heart of what truly makes organizations thrive: its culture.

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